Improved public lighting, plumbing to save Fort Pierce taxpayers more than $400,000

FORT PIERCE — Upgraded lighting on city streets and buildings is expected to save taxpayers $432,000 a year under a contract commissioners approved March 3.

All costs for the project will be paid through a $6.15 million financing agreement between the city and Bank of America, and repaid through the savings as part of the 16-year "guaranteed energy and water performance savings" contract, including 3.055 percent interest, according to City Attorney Rob Schwerer. No other city money will be used under the terms of the agreement.

The majority of the work will consist of improved street lighting — replacing sodium light fixtures with LED technology for energy conservation and savings, said Deputy City Manager Nick Mimms. The enhanced lighting system could play a role in improved vision quality for help in crime prevention.

City officials finalized the financing agreement and the contract March 4 with BGA Inc., a subsidiary of ConEdison Solutions, for the lighting and plumbing project, which will take about a year to complete, said Jeff Wykoff, BGA program manager. The street lighting should be completed within four months, he said.

Wykoff told commissioners they would reap the benefits of savings as soon as the first light fixtures are installed. He pointed out that the current lighting is ready to be replaced.

City Commissioner Ed Becht called the agreement a "wonderful" move by city officials. Upon questioning of Wykoff and the city's bond counsel Mike Williams, Becht was assured financing would be paid back through the savings and not through a set-aside amount from the loan.

Commissioner Tom Perona said once the loan is repaid with the savings, it is as if the city "really didn't pay for it."

There will be improved lighting for city streets, and the areas around City Hall, River Walk, the city marina, PAL Park, the police main station and substation on Avenue D, the public works compound, Seven Gables House and the Sunrise Theatre.

Water fixtures and faucets will also be replaced in these areas.

Lighting improvements for facilities include replacing inefficient fluorescent fixtures with new lamps operating with electronic ballasts. New controls in the lighting systems will make sure lighting does not operate unnecessarily. Occupancy sensors will be fitted to operate in small rooms and larger rooms, accordingly, to save on energy.

Valves, faucets, shower heads and other fixtures will be updated for city facilities requiring improved plumbing replacements. New flush valves will reduce flush volume in restrooms to save on water costs. Vandal-proof faucets also will be installed.